Restless leg syndrome (RLS), also known as Ekbom's syndrome, is a discomfort, not pain, verbalized as pins and needles, a crawling sensation, or cramping mainly in the calves but sometimes noted in the thighs or arms.(1) The sensation generally occurs only during rest and inactivity and is quickly relieved by walking or moving the legs. Males and females are equally affected, and RLS occurs most commonly in the elderly. Iron deficiency, pregnancy, and renal failure are associated with RLS. Caffeine, stress, or fatigue may worsen the symptoms.(2, 3)

RLS can be a very disturbing condition. When a person who has RLS tries to go to sleep, the tingling and cramping causes them to get up and move about to relieve the symptoms. Then when the person attempts to resume sleep, the discomfort returns, causing insomnia. Clinical examination may reveal evidence of underlying systemic disease or mild peripheral neuropathy, but is more often normal.(4) Mild or intermittent symptoms usually require no treatment.